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School life in Canada

Mixed classes: In most schools, boys and girls learn together in the same classroom. Some private schools are for boys or girls only.

School curriculum: Every province and territory has official course work that students will be taught in each grade.

Religion: Some provinces have separate Catholic public schools and students of any religion can attend. Most communities also have private religious schools.

Textbooks and school supplies: Schools lend textbooks to their students. You will have to buy school supplies like pencils and paper for your children.

Special needs: Students can get help if they have special needs including:

physical

cognitive

psychological

emotional

behavioural

linguistic

Report cards: Children get a report card several times during the school year that tells you about their progress.

Missing school: Children must go to school every day. If they are absent from school because they are sick or for personal reasons, you must tell the school.

Getting to school: Children can travel to and from school:

with their parents

on their own

by school bus

Ask the school for information on school buses and public transportation.

School closures: Schools sometimes close for one or more days in the winter because of snowstorms or severe cold. If this happens, you will hear about the closing:

through the school

on the radio

on television

Dress code: Children must follow the school dress code. Some schools require children to wear a uniform.

Extracurricular activities: These are activities that take place before school, after school or during lunch. They include sports, arts, hobby clubs, etc. Each school offers different extracurricular activities to students. These activities can help your child:

make friends

get used to the Canadian school system

have interests in areas outside school

Field trips: Schools organize field trips outside the school for students to visit places that are relevant to their education. Field trips can be to places such as:

museums

workplaces

cultural institutions

city neighbourhoods

Bullying: This is defined as “wilful, repeated aggressive behaviour with negative intent used by a child to maintain power over another child.” Bullying is not tolerated. If your child is a victim of bullying, talk to their teacher or principal. Learn more about bullying and prevention programs.